PETER THE ROCK: SIMON, SON OF JOHN, DO YOU LOVE ME? (Jn 21:15-19)

PETER THE ROCK: SIMON, SON OF JOHN, DO YOU LOVE ME? (Jn 21:15-19)

We were watching a 12-minute movie clip about PETER, which focuses more on the aspect of Peter’s discouragements, his pain in denying the Lord, going back to fishing, miraculous catch, and his encounter with Jesus. I did not show my tears, but I really shed a few tears. I just find his encounter with the Lord so very touching, when Jesus looked at him and hugged him and still trusted him in spite of his denials. It is truly amazing how the Lord deals us, and He would never ask about our mistakes. As long as He sees that we are heartily sorry for our sins, that is more than enough for Him. His forgiveness is overflowing. 1. Community aspect- I was so touched looking at the rest of the disciples, rejoicing knowing that Jesus is alive again, and Peter, secretly, escaped and hid himself in his room, crying. Memories with Jesus were flashing, and he was there repeatedly saying “I failed the Lord.” Peter is supposed to be leading the group, but he was distancing himself, unworthy because of what he has done to Jesus. But he was strengthened especially by John, who was very very young then. John stayed with Jesus till His death. But John gave way, and instead telling Peter to guide them. “We all failed the Lord Peter”, John said. “We need you. We trust you.” The rest of the disciples joined and expressed their trust on Peter. They did not put Peter aside. As Religious and priests, we also failed the Lord many times. But we cannot afford to lose a member of the community. We should not leave one behind. We journey together, some are strong, others are weak, some failed, but we help each other, instead of breaking away. 2. The eyes of Peter, while looking at the stranger on the shore. He just waved his hands, confused who the man is. John recognized the Lord, so he shouted “It is the Lord.” The vision of Peter is still blurred not until he heard it is the Lord. 3. Peter immediately jumped into the water. Was it necessary for Peter to jump into the water, when they are supposed to be arriving in few minutes? He was overjoyed, so he jumped, swam to get faster to Jesus. There is a parallel in this scene. When Jesus walked on the water, realizing that it was the Lord, Peter also jumped into the water to be with Jesus. It is the leap of faith, he knows that Jesus is there to save him. 4. Honesty and responsibility. Peter repeatedly said, “ I have failed you Jesus.” He admitted his mistakes with all honesty. When he was given a responsibility by Jesus (key), he promised that he will stay with Jesus till death. Then he denied Jesus, he ran away, forgetting his responsibility. He failed, and he admitted his failure to Jesus. He took responsibility of his mistake. Jesus did not confront Peter about it, Jesus still trusted Peter, but he wanted to hear from the mouth of Peter that he loves Him, and then he gives His flock to Peter again "Feed my lamb. Tend my sheep." 5. Jesus embraced Peter. This is the part of the movie that I cried. The scene was very touching. Peter was like a little child, crying in the bosom of the mother. This time, with all his remorse, very happy now of the love of the Lord. He cried and cried, so deeply sorry. I was also crying because I felt Peter's pain. I just concluded that Peter got all his strength from Jesus. He was so happy for all the affirmations he received from the Lord. Jesus still showed His love and compassion. It must be the same to us, no matter how many times we have sinned, the Lord is still giving us His overflowing forgiveness. That deep embrace of Jesus and His touch to Peter! We need that experience of touch, the touch of the Lord. We need the affirmation coming from God. Without the touch of the Lord, our ministry will become just normal rituals. Everything is functional. But also in our community, with confreres, that kind of touch and affirmation. 6. Peter was a big person, and he was called Jesus as ROCK. As Rock, he was supposed to be strong, like a foundation. Yet he failed, and he melted in front of Jesus because of his weakness. But God did not give him up. Again, Jesus still give him the key. He was weak, but Jesus made him strong. I am weak, but God still chose me in spite of my weaknesses and vulnerabilities.